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WEDDING GUIDE
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I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I'm so honored you chose to work with me!
Even if you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day.
Having photographed more than 100 weddings over the past few years, I've seen a lot. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
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A note about this guide
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!
Kris
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My style
Welcome
Engagement Sessions
I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
e-session tips
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with the vendors below and I can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WEDDING PLANNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Recommendations to Come:
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
Invitations
OFFICIANT
Photo Booth
Recommendations to Come;
Please know... I only recommend vendors that I've worked with. (Or my couples have) Because of this, My SC recommendation list still has some room to grow.
That moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. About half of our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.
While I consider myself, a non-traditionalist, some couples aren't, However, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:
Is a First Look Right for You?
If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.
Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures and, sometimes, for a few bride and groom portraits (although we prefer to do bride and groom portraits at sunset). This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special.
3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
All Weddings Rely on Timelines- big or small. There are so many moving parts, so many participants, and so many ways things can go wrong. It's no wonder that wedding planners have timelines consisting of dozens of pages.
Their timelines include everything. Who needs to be where, and when. What time each vendor is showing up, contact info for everyone involved, and countless other little details that are absolutely necessary for them.... BUT not for us photographers.
While it's nice for us to have access to those details, on the actual day of the event, it can be overwhelming to rely on. When I'm trying to communicate with my team, using that all encompassing timeline gets in the way. That's why I developed the process of creating our own timeline.
You guys chose me because of my experience, my talent and my expertise. To be able to deliver that, I set myself up for success. This ensures you get the absolutely best results for your photos.
I understand the importance of timing everything just right, around the lighting, or around the limitations of the venue or wedding party. And it's up to me to communicate that with the planner, you guys and any vendors so that we are all on the same page.
My timelines always include a list of your must have family shots, locations where things will happen, and the sunset time. Having all this laid out in advance, and in our hands the day of your wedding, is the best way for us to be prepared and ready to deliver a remarkable experience.
So when the time comes- please fill out the questionnaire. :)
View Example Timelines
view the timeline
WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK
view the timeline
WEDDING TIMELINE WITHouT A FIRST LOOK
Please note these are just examples. We may need to factor in travel time and other considerations into your timeline.
ALSO- I tend to add in ample amounts of "buffer" time. Often times, I don't need the time I give myself for photos... but having that time "scheduled" in avoids some stress if things do tend to run behind.
T H E W E D D I N G O F Bride + Groom
12:00 - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 2:00 pm
2:00 - 2:15 pm
2:15 - 2:45 pm
2:45 - 3:15 pm
3:15 - 3:45 pm
3:45 - 4:15 pm
4:30 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 6:00 pm
5:00 - 5:15 pm
5:15 - 5:45 pm
5:45 - 6:15 pm
6:00 - 6:20 pm
6:30 pm
6:40 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
9:00 pm
Kris to Arrive at Getting Ready Suite
Shoot Details and Final Hair and Makeup
Bride gets Dressed. (Jewelry shoes, veil etc.)
Second Shooter w/ Groom
Travel to First Look Location
First Look and Couple Portraits
Bridal Party Portraits
See List
Family Portraits
See List
Couple Refresh
Kris + 2nd to Shoot ceremony details and arrivals.
CEREMONY
Cocktail Hour
Kris shoots Cocktail Details
2nd Shooter photographs guests/candids
Kris and 2nd to photograph Reception Details & Set up
Couple Photos
SUNSET 6:15
Guests invited to dinner
Couple Refresh
Introductions
Followed by first dance
Welcome Toast
Followed by Parent dances
Speeches
While Salads are being served
Cake Cutting
Open Dancing
Photographers Done
Room and Cake Photo (Ready at this time)
NOTES: Please have all rings, copy of invitations, wedding dress, veil, shoes, perfume etc... all in one spot in the brides "getting ready" suite. Dress should be out of bag, no tags and on a pretty hanger.
SUNSET is : 6:15pm
COLLECTION: This couples custom collection includes 9 hours of coverage w/ a second photographer, with no second locations. (Getting Ready, Ceremony and Reception are all at one location)
9 hours coverage, 2 shooters, with a first look. Everything is at one location.
T H E W E D D I N G O F Bride + Groom
1:00 - 2:00 pm
2:00 - 2:30 pm
2:45 - 3:45 pm
5:05 - 5:25 pm
4:00 - 4:15 pm
4:30 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 6:00 pm
5:25 - 5:45 pm
5:45 - 6:10 pm
6:00- 6:20 pm
6:30 pm
6:40pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
9:00 pm
Kris to Arrive at Getting Ready Suite
Shoot Details and Final Hair and Makeup
Bride gets Dressed. (Jewelry shoes, veil etc.)
Second Shooter w/ Groom
Bridal Party Portraits w/ Kris
Groomsmen Portraits w/ 2nd shooter
Couple Refresh
Couple Portraits (w/ Both Photographers)
See List
Family Photos (w/Kris)
Kris and 2nd shoots Ceremony /Reception details and Guest Arrival
CEREMONY
Cocktail Hour
Entire Wedding Party Photos (W/Kris)
5:30 2nd shooter joins us for portraits
SUNSET 6:15
Guests invited to dinner
Introductions
Followed by first dance
Welcome Toast
Followed by Parent dances
Speeches
While Salads are being served
Cake Cutting
Open Dancing
COVERAGE ENDS
Kris shoots formals/ 2nd Sets up flashes and then Shoots Cocktail hour
NOTES: Please have all rings, copy of invitations, wedding dress, veil, shoes, perfume etc... all in one spot in the brides "getting ready" suite. Dress should be out of bag, no tags and on a pretty hanger.
SUNSET is : 6:15pm
COLLECTION: This couples custom collection includes 8 hours of coverage w/ a second photographer, with no second locations. (Getting Ready, Ceremony and Reception are all at one location)
8 hours coverage, no first look, 2 photographers. Everything is at one location.
Considerations if not doing a first look. If your ceremony starts late, it will definitely cut into the time needed to create the portraits you're looking for. If your wedding is in the winter months- having a first look may be the ONLY way to get portraits outdoors.
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe us, just take a look at Kerrin and Charle's wedding day. It rained almost the entire day and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
#1 Rain Tip- buffer in extra time and be flexible
Wedding Day Details
I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about 30 minutes to capture and style details. (However, I usually schedule to be there about 1 hour.) I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.
It would be wonderful if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot!
Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's old bible. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Bonus: I'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply me a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the Grandparents so it’s just , parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When I send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll ask you about special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find my typical list below.
Family Formals
your entire family, dressed up and together
Couple with Bride's parents
Couple with Bride's parents and siblings
Couple with Bride's parents, siblings, and spouses/kids
Couple with Bride's grandparent(s)
Bride w/ Parents
Bride w/ Mom
Bride w/ Dad
Couple’s w/ Both Sets of Parents
Couple with Groom's parents
Couple with Groom's parents and siblings
Couple with Groom's parents, siblings, and spouses/kids
Couple with Groom's grandparent(s)
Groom w/ Parents
Groom w/ Mom
Groom w/ Dad
Family Portrait Session Checklist
Extended family can be photographed during the cocktail hour/reception with the help of the DJ/Band announcing. (just one idea)
I'll send out a questionnaire that will help us determine a family photo list!
Consider Unplugging
If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain "unplugged" during the ceremony.
And while it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for my photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help me do the best possible job capturing your wedding, I recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
1. If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers.
3. Make sure and have your bouquet delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.
4. If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire.
5. If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "buffer time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Additional Tips
AFTER SHOOTING MORE THAN 130 weddings in the past 8 years, we're happy to share a few additional tips
6. I always recommend the bride go into hiding at least 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like and it's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Together we will come up for a list that will be efficient, and will allow us to complete the portraits fast.
8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
9. The Questionnaire I'll send out will help plan the photo timeline, and photo list.
10. Remember- every wedding is different. Each couple have their own tastes, budgets, personalities to work with, and photo requests that need to be taken into consideration. I encourage you to 'do you'. Not every photo will be perfect- but it will represent your amazing day... and your unique memories!
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering
an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a
variety of linen & leather colors.
These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in.
They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Albums
more details
the perfect way to remember your wedding day
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!